Officers from the Kenya Prisons Service (KPS) have voiced their frustration over delays in implementing a promised salary increment, threatening to strike if the government fails to meet its commitment. This discontent is fueled by the government’s failure to deliver on its pledge for a salary increase beginning July 2024, a promise that was eagerly anticipated but has not yet materialized.
On Thursday, prison warders staged a go-slow, signaling their discontent with what they describe as inadequate pay and unfulfilled promises. President William Ruto had previously assured the officers of a salary increment of at least Ksh.2,000. However, as the end of July came and went, the expected increase did not reflect in their pay slips, leading to growing unrest among the officers.
“We were promised an increase, but nothing has changed,” said an officer who spoke to Citizen TV on the condition of anonymity. “We were told the circular hadn’t been issued yet. What could be the problem? They made this announcement in front of senior officials at State House.”
The delay has had a significant impact, particularly on the officers in the lowest rank of Constable, who were expecting a boost of up to Ksh.2,000. In contrast, their counterparts in the National Police Service (NPS) have already received their allowances, leaving the prison officers’ pay unchanged from the previous month. This disparity has exacerbated the sense of injustice among the prison staff.
“We want answers because the morale of the officers is at an all-time low,” said another officer. “It’s against policy for us to be seen protesting, but the situation is so dire that we’re considering our options, even if it means striking.”
The gravity of the situation is evident in the financial strain faced by many officers. A Constable’s gross pay stands at Ksh.47,800, but after deductions, the take-home pay is only Ksh.8,035. “Our salary is around Ksh.34,000 after deductions,” explained one officer. “With rent in Nairobi costing around Ksh.15,000 and additional expenses such as a househelp costing between Ksh.6,000 to Ksh.7,000, it is nearly impossible to provide for a family on this salary. Even a Ksh.2,000 or Ksh.3,000 increment would make a significant difference.”
In addition to financial issues, the officers have also reported poor working conditions and mistreatment from senior officials. Complaints about inadequate uniforms and poor working conditions have added to their grievances. “Sometimes senior officers take uniforms for themselves, and junior officers are left waiting for years without new uniforms,” one officer reported.
In response to the mounting pressure, Head of Public Service Felix Koskei issued a directive mandating a minimum monthly salary increase of Ksh.4,000 for all uniformed officers of the Kenya Prisons Service, effective from the July 2024 payroll. This directive aims to address some of the concerns raised by the officers and ease the growing tension.
Last year, President Ruto had pledged a 40 percent salary increase for police officers, which was part of the recommendations from a task force on police reforms. The delay in implementing these increases for prison officers highlights the ongoing challenges in meeting such commitments and the broader issues within the public service sector.
As the situation develops, the Kenya Prisons Service officers remain on edge, with their frustrations underscoring the need for timely and transparent action from the government to fulfill its promises and improve working conditions for its personnel.
